Coptrz clamps down on illegal activity with industry-first drone detection system

Coptrz, one of the UK’s leading commercial drone solution providers, has announced the launch of its new purpose-built drone detection solution, designed to provide protection from the threat of illegal drone activity.

AeroScope, launched in partnership with DJI, acts as a licence plate system and allows an operator to track telemetry data from drones in surrounding airspace of up to 20km.

By intercepting the current communications link between a drone and its remote controller, AeroScope is able to broadcast real-time identification information including UAV serial code, make/model of aircraft, UAV position, speed, latitude and pilot location.

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The company stated that this launch has been anticipated for some time after increased security concerns regarding the use of drones. With the current equipment available, secure areas such as prisons, airports, military bases and stadiums are at risk of drone threats.

It was reported last year that there had been an 168% increase in drone and commercial aircraft near misses over a two-year period and that this trend is expected to increase year-on-year with over 20 million drones in operation by 2020.

DJI announced plans to develop AeroScope in October and has since chosen Coptrz as the exclusive European partner for the development, installation and maintenance of the product going forward.

Steve Coulson, founder and managing director at Coptrz, explained: “We are proud to have partnered with DJI as the European turnkey provider of AeroScope. The drone industry has grown exponentially in recent years and we are now seeing them used to great effect across nearly all vertical sectors.

“Despite this, an increase in drones taking to the skies has caused significant security fears. Coptrz will to continue to lead the development of the commercial drone industry, and in order to do this we need to identify between legal and illegal drone use. AeroScope does exactly that and we are looking forward to working with all major security businesses to help significantly reduce the threat of illegal drone activity.”